Abstract:

The Northwest economic adjustment initiative (NWEAI) provides economic assistance to a region including western Washington, western Oregon, and northern California. Timber harvests have fallen markedly in this region since 1990. The forest products industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the region, and employment has followed the downward trend in timber harvest. There are important differences in the declines in timber harvest, employment, and the importance of the forest products industry at the county level. The NWEAI is a significant initiative designed to coordinate and manage Federal economic assistance efforts in the region.